One ED case involving a militant leader surfaces in Nagaland ::::: But to hope for eradicating Corruption completely is like pinning jelly to a wall

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The law of the land is taking its course. A special court has issued a proclamation against Nikki Sumi of NSCN (K) declaring him an absconder in a money laundering case being pursued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office.  

In Delhi, I get to meet politicians from across India and from various parties. They would often admit that unlike the Congress era, the BJP high command may encourage politicking and so on; but nothing is today manageable with money !

This particular ED case is just one case and about one individual. There could be several others facing such trial or have been lucky not to face any trial so far.

But what lies in the womb of time is not known to us.

Corruption and economic offences like money laundering were almost like expected norms in the past. But the fact of the matter is 'Corruption' erodes people's trust in its leaders. 

In the context of Nagaland - leaders belong to two broad divisions - underground and overground. 

Corruption has been working as a profoundly harmful force for the Naga society. But there is no social anguish against it. At least no such anguish is visible. 

Hence the menace has continued to act as a corrosive harming the society.

Those in authorities do not have much in credit in terms of fighting the menace. Just take a look at the following figures. 

In 2023 March, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of the Union Home Ministry said that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act) - Cases Registered by Anti-Corruption Bureau, Vigilance and Lokayukta in Nagaland in 2021 was only one.

If you are surprised, in Mizoram it stood at 4 and Manipur recorded 7. Yet again the score came to zero in Meghalaya. But in two other BJP-ruled Arunachal Pradesh and Assam the figure stood at 12 and 16 respectively.

For Prevention of Corruption Act & Related Sections of IPC Cases Reported - the figure for Nagaland stood at mere one in 2019 and 2021 and it was 4 in 2020, according to 'Crime in India - 2021'. 

Under Police Disposal of Cases by Anti-Corruption Bureau, Vigilance and Lokayukta under Prevention of  Corruption Act and Related Sections of IPC (State/UT-wise) - 2021, the figures for Nagaland -- 25 cases pending and there were only two chargesheets. 

The NCRB report states that the genesis of crime can be traced to interplay of various social, economic, demographic, local and institutional factors. The presumption that crime occurs because of the failures of police therefore exhibits a lack of mature understanding of the theories of criminal behavior, it notes.

It further said that any comparison among states/districts/regions/social groups etc. on the basis of these published data alone will be too simplistic and is best avoided.

Long back, in Nagaland, about government-contractors deal, it used to be said  that payments are received on earth for works done in heaven.   

My experience with Delhi intellectuals and political class gives me an instinct-guided feeling that hundreds of Modi detractors are waiting in the wings for the Prime Minister to fail. They do not mind Modi even to 'fail' on the Naga peace parleys. 

Normalcy and peace in Nagaland are not their concern. There would be know-all intellectuals in Kolkata and Delhi too. So take media reports and opinion pieces with a pinch of salt. 

They all had perhaps said Narendra Modi is losing 2019 and 2024 polls; and now they could easily say the Solution to the Naga issue would also fail. 

Sadistic pleasure is only a small reason. There are other reasons too. 

During Congress era, the right lobbying could fetch expected results. Be these for national awards or contracts or even some much sought after postings. This was also true to business and also getting key political appointments.

Next time you meet the neta class in Kolkata, Delhi Dimapur and Kohima - quiz them on this.

My plea has been that things have changed a lot since 2014. If some Netas at the national level are today frustrated; they deserve sympathies.  

In 2014, there was hunger for change among the Indian voters. Modi and BJP played ‘dream merchants’ at a time when people’s mood was down-slide.

Narendra Modi represented different aspirations to different sets of people and that’s the yardstick of a mass appeal of a leader.  

This was well reflected in 2019 when Rahul Gandhi's allegation on corruption related to Rafale had boomeranged. In 2024, even many BJP nominees suffered and the Congress tally increased.

People in Nagaland love Boleros. But they will also clamour with their version of 'hunger for change'.

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Naga-Kuki differences intensify in Manipur :::: Now, Foothill Nagas ban SoO Camps of Kukis and Zomis within Naga ancestral areas

The Foothills Nagas Coordination Committee of Manipur also Bans any "Unauthorized Structures including bunkers etc in Naga-Inhabited Areas" 

A Consultative meeting of the Committee at Tarung, Imphal decided that no construction of bunkers, makeshift shelters, wooden crosses, unauthorized gates or barricades shall be permitted within Naga-inhabited areas. 

"These unauthorized activities are viewed as provocative and a violation of the customary land rights and territorial integrity of the Naga people," said a statement from the Coordination Committee Secretary B Robin.

 The statement said, as scheduled, a consultative meeting of Nagas from the foothill areas was convened on July 5, 2025 at Tarung, Imphal, under the aegis of the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) to deliberate on the prevailing situation affecting the region.

"The meeting witnessed the participation of Naga leaders, elders, intellectuals and representatives from various organizations. A thorough and candid discussion was held concerning the increasing challenges and existential threats confronting the Naga people and its ancestral lands".

Following comprehensive deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the following resolutions to safeguard the rights, identity, and territorial integrity of the Nagas:

Resolution No. 1

Prohibition of SoO Camps within Naga Ancestral Territories:

The House unanimously resolved that no camps or settlements of Kuki militant groups currently under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement shall be permitted within the ancestral territories of the Nagas. Such encroachments are deemed a direct threat to the peace, security, and demographic balance of the Naga people.

Another resolution said:

No project under the guise of infrastructure development shall be undertaken in Naga territories, if it infringes upon the rights, identity, or survival of the Naga people. Any such undertaking must be preceded by transparent consultation and must obtain the prior knowledge, and informed consent of the concerned Naga communities.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to protect the ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and political rights of the Nagas through peaceful yet determined means, B Robin said. 

ends 

Nagas may complain that Indian Democracy is messy .... but everyone has to admit it is "NEVER an obstacle" to peace and prosperity

Collective Wounds:

#peace #NNPG #NSCN 

Some organisations are now out to destroy the peace process in Nagaland. They have started flagging off 'uncomfortable issues' such as declaration of Naga independence and even a memorandum submitted long back in 1929 to the British colonial masters.

These are unwarranted bogies in today's reality. Those who slam New Delhi by raising  such issues actually want to reap benefits. But they want to deprive simpleton people some facets of development.

Poverty and health issues are areas of deep concern for masses while for some few hundred lakhs remain like small pocket money. 

The refrain from New Delhi is well measured. Do not look back at old wounds and mistakes. The forward looking approach therefore ought to be the two preliminary pacts - the Agreed Position of 2017 and the Framework Agreement of 2015.

In fact, on the hyped occasion when the latter pact was inked by the then interlocutor R N Ravi and NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah; Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ensured that such a key development should happen in his presence.

Often a Dream Merchant : Can Namo deliver Solution ?

The August first week of 2015 was already hit with cacophony in Indian Parliament. A number of Congress MPs were suspended by the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over some other national issues.  But the Prime Minister understood the significance of the Framework Agreement. 

Modi had faith  in his personal political instinct. He believed that a vibrant mix of ethnicities, cultures, religions and political credit seeking-blame giving approaches actually give LIFE to the Democracy. Hence in his speech on the solemn occasion, the Prime Minister has said:  

"The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism. Their system of village administration and grass-root democracy should be an inspiration for the rest of the country.

The respect for the infirm and elders, the status of women in society, sensitivity to Mother Nature, and the emphasis on social equality is a natural way of Naga life. These are values that should constitute the foundation of the society that we all seek."

These are not ordinary words. These reflect a big advantage our Bharat enjoys as a nation. It's not any rocket science. Democracy and India are inseparable.  Moreover, one BJP leader Jay Panda had said a few years back -- "What's unique about India is that has survived as a Democracy despite consistent predictions of its demise". 

  

Nagas have in the past taken help from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh (East Pakistan) and China. But today's generation of Nagas will appreciate the difference between what we offer in India and what is perhaps 'already decided' in China or even Pakistan. The Bangladeshi chaos need not be mentioned at all.  

None in India question the Naga 'aspirations' for a better tomorrow. But the past experience would tell any reasonable man/woman that had things turned otherwise in the 1950s and 1960s; what would have been the fate of things in South East Asia in the Indian neighbourhood. Look at the situation in next door Myanmar. 

Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore may be better economies today but all of them have kept Democracy under leash. The giant China monitors all kinds of social unrest and imposes heavy hands of discipline and military to quash dissent.  

There is a 'revived' debate that Nagas had declared independence on Aug 14, 1947.

The Govt of India functionaries - when contacted - do not want to speak on these in 2025. One of them proudly argued - "Nagas are as patriots as me".

Another informed personality maintained -- "I will quote what the Prime Minister Modi had said on Aug 3, 2015 ... the Naga problem is only a legacy of the British. The colonial rulers by design kept the Nagas isolated and insulated. They suppressed the reality that the Nagas were an extremely evolved society".  

Well. This also makes sense.

But what would have made a better sense and what the functionary forgets to tell us in that speech, Modi also had pointed out that - 

"The British colonial rulers propagated terrible myths about Nagas in the rest of the country". 

Blogger with an Angami Naga

The fact of the matter is even after years of negotiations, the Govt of India is not showing any desperation to abrogate the ceasefire that was announced in 1997 when India's Home Minister was a veteran communist Indrajit Gupta.  

Basically, the Modi government is giving out a message. We believe any structure of a good governance and Democracy can work better when it 'welcomes' every shades of opinion and every protagonists of identity politics in it. 

Look at the intent of those who are flagging off most controversial issues such as Plebiscite, declaration of Naga independence and Simon Commission. 

'Brighter Kashmir' newspaper

Now let us take a jaundiced view of the declaration of Naga Independence. The Govt of India will soon put forward an argument that as late as 1956, the Federal Govt of Nagaland was not established.

In fact, even before that -- around 1954 ; at the Yemishe village, "....the opinion of NNC stood divided on the issue of organisation of the Armed wing. Most of the NNC members and leaders opposed Army wing being organised in the hope of getting Naga sovereignty restored without arms". 

(Source book 'Hails and Blames - An account of Naga Independence Struggle' by Scato Swu.

He was the first Naga graduate to join the Naga national movement. Swu was FGN President (Kedahge) between 1959 and September 1967.

Hence the New Delhi's counter theory to those raising controversial issues will be - the fact that the NNC could survive along with the spirit of Naga aspiration without any armed wing -- it talks volumes about Naga struggle and also the obvious that the so-called 'government apparatus' was not established. 

This is not a drawback or a fault-line; but a fact of history. 

This chapter of history is also a tribute to Indian democracy. Of course, the violence due to clashes between Assam police and Nagas were reported from time to time. But violence occurred even in Telangana region in far off Deccan. 

We will have to draw an inference here that the Indian nationalism emerged hand in hand with a pledge to uphold democracy.  

About three decades back any new visitor to Delhi would also visit Jantar Mantar. Located not far off from Indian parliament or the busy Connaught Place, the pillars and stone curves created one of most reliable scientific instruments. It was a case of future looking.

If that can be a forward-looking avenue; in today's world too Indians and the Indian government want to 'do something ahead' of the time. The Naga issue is such a paradox.

If the problem is resolved and there is guarantee of peace; the Govt of India's Act East policy will herald an era of immense progress and prosperity for the people in northeast, Nagas and Manipur people included.  

Saying no to Solution is therefore a risky proposition for Nagas as well as for those in Delhi who want to deliver something for the legacy. 

ends 

Nagas would clamour for an early Solution

"We are not asking for tribal status. We are only asking for justice ..." - Non Nagas send SOS messages to national politicians including in Congress and BJP

 The Naga peace talks are yet to produce the most and the least expected thing - the Solution. But the Status quo club is working overtime to stall the entire process and even derail the hard-earned dialogue process that began in 1997.

Of course, I K Gujral was the Prime Minister then. But prior to that H D Deve Gowda had 'officially' met two prominent Naga insurgent leaders at Zurich in February 1997. 

Late Congress leaders P V Narasimha Rao (PM between 1991 and 1996) and Rajesh Pilot (who was Minister of State for Home Affairs catering to internal security) also slogged hard and contributed his part.  

Amid this uncertainty whether internal sabotage would prevail vis-a-vis Naga peace parleys - which the Centre says the political discussions were over by 2019 -a new and ugly chapter is being added.

The non-Naga and Naga 'differences' on certain critical areas could herald fresh rounds of troubles for Nagaland where the BJP is sharing power with the regional outfit the NDPP.

The problem may not be at the scale of Kuki-Meitei differences in Manipur but nevertheless the locals and outsiders issues are always hyper sensitive in northeast. 

In the 1990s, a number of non-Naga government officers had opted for voluntary retirement during the peak of their career under pressure.

The state government is headed by Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Minister and incumbent dispensation has a BJP deputy Chief Minister Y Patton. Notably, the latter is holding the crucial Home portfolio.

The recent developments related to enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) - which for all practical purpose has failed to stop immigration of illegal Bangladeshis -  has been pushed up as a tool to create fresh hurdles for non-Nagas.

Sadly, no native Naga leaders are talking much on this because the good old menace of 'Us and They' syndrome is at work.

The non-Nagas - in minority - are panic stricken.  They are sad and frustrated and some well wishers among Non-Nagas and Nagas in Dimapur and Kohima have advised the blogger not to visit the state at least for next six months or so. 

"Let December come... there will be Hornbill Festival. The Tourism extravaganza changes the face of Naga economy for 10 days. You may come then," came in a voluntary advise. 

A few individual non-Naga public spirited leaders have shot off letters to central politicians including senior lawmakers including a few in BJP and the Congress.

The BJP is silent. It is in big dilemma vis-a-vis power sharing issues with the regional party in the state. Some saffron party leaders in Delhi realise that the controversy over ILP could create "a Jammu like situation" of the 1990s - but they too are silent.

State BJP leaders and Ministers in the Nagaland government are not much bothered as speaking anything on behalf of 'non Nagas (also condemned as Plain manu - people from plains) could sabotage their political career. 

"We are set to become refugees in India under BJP again.... Let Narendra Modi and Amit Shah save the Rio government," said one local trader.

The non-Naga business people as it is due to growing extortion demand are shifting base to Assam.

"We are not asking for tribal status. We are only asking for justice, dignity, and recognition as rightful citizens of this country," runs a letter written to some MPs. 

Essentially the non-Nagas have raised a four-point charter of demands.

"Kindly raise this ILP matter and  harrasment of genuine Indians and Hindus and Jains as urgent issues in Parliament during the Monsoon session of Parliament. There should be a national discussion on the misuse of constitutional provisions and Articles against fellow Indians," says one aggrieved citizen.

Identical letters shared with many MPs also call for "protection and recognition" of all Indian citizens who settled in Nagaland prior to 1963.

Nagaland was given statehood on Dec 1, 1963.

There are also complaints about deliberate games played at the state level (and the centre may be ignorant) to discriminate non-Nagas even for central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

There is a demand to ensure that Minority welfare schemes are made available to actual religious minorities and long-settled Non-Nagas in the state.

They also feel that the Modi Government at the centre should immediately enact a policy or a 'registry' granting rights and security to such non-Naga families.

There are other elements of politics at play too.

Recently a member of AICC Minority cell Rajesh Kumar Sethi - a Jain - was asked by his party in Nagaland not to raise such issues. 

In a press note (July 2, 2025) the NPCC through its communications department stated that Sethi used his designation as National Coordinator of All India Congress Committee, In-charge of Manipur, while putting forth his individual opinion in connection with the imposition of ILP in Dimapur.

The NPCC clarified that the party functionaries irrespective of the designations held were "not authorized" to speak on policy matters through individual’s perspective, especially on sensitive topics like the ILP issue. 

When contacted Sethi declined to take any  question on the controversy. 

Lately. the Nagaland Congress is embroiled in another controversy for allegedly 'going soft on the BJP-NDPP government' in Nagaland.

Several Congress leaders are either quitting the party to join Conrad Sangma-led NPP or are sending (even getting feelers) about getting Rio-led NDPP ticket for the 2028 assembly polls.

The NDPP ticket aspirants for 2028 polls also include a few prominent Congress office bearers in Nagaland. This was reportedly brought to the notice of AICC leaders including K C Venugopal about two months back. 

Veteran Rio 

 

In 2025, the ILP row has been pushed either by a design or circumstances. 

Congress leader Rajesh Sethi last month referred to the Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) issue and maintained:

"The BJP in Nagaland is doing picnic ..... Some people do not want the 

Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), that is another game. 

Will these policies help natives? I have my apprehension."  

The RIIN stands for Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland and is billed as an initiative by the Nagaland government to identify the state's indigenous residents and prevent them from obtaining fraudulent indigenous inhabitant certificates. 

The RIIN does not involve plain dwellers or non tribals. 

The vested interests are alarmed by the word RIIN in Nagaland these days. 

ends 

As Xi Jinping to give it a miss, Namo -- the BRICS star at the Brazil Summit :::: Putin to address the summit via video conferencing

Xi Jinping to miss the crucial BRICS Summit; Putin will address the summit via video conferencing.

'Brics' is a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies to create an equitable and balanced multipolar order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said before he embarked on a five-nation tour to participate in the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The occasion is also seen as Modi's outreach attempts for a closer ties with key players in the Global South.  

The whispering about Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence have ranged from the mundane to the incredible—from being upstaged by political opponents to suffering from an ailment.

According to Chinese media, "In a reply letter to friendly personages from all walks of life in Brazil, President Xi encouraged them to continuously contribute to the China-Brazil friendship.

"Xi said that he is glad to see that the China-Brazil friendship has been passed on from generation to generation, adding that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Brazil have marched forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe, and have forged a friendship spanning mountains and oceans," the publication says. 

At the BRICS Summit 2025, China officially said it will be represented by premier Li Qiang.

Xi’s absence is quite out of the blue because the 11-membered BRICS grouping of emerging economies that includes India, China, Russia, Iran and seven other countries, is often seen as a platform for the fast-rising China-Russia-Iran axis against the US-led West.

The summit in Brazil is expected to take a strident stand against the ‘unilateral tariff’ being imposed by the US, on grounds of it violating international laws.

All eyes will be on host Brazil, South Africa and also India. 

Not long ago, US President Donald Trump has stated: “BRICS was set up for a bad purpose… BRICS is now dead”.

The strategic position of BRICS includes a move for de-dollarisation as a counter to the dominance of the US dollar, by working towards a new currency of exchange besides the creation of a more equitable global order—with multi-polarity as its main mantra.

“We require a commitment from these (BRICS) countries that they will neither create a BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100 per cent tariffs,” Trump had said.  

Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also not attend.

But his absence has been explained as not wanting to put the host Brazil in a delicate diplomatic spot. 

Putin will address the summit via video conferencing.

Brazil—an original member of The Hague-headquartered International Criminal Court (ICC)—would be rule-bound to detain Putin on arrival due to the arrest warrant issued against the Russian President on March 17, 2023. The ICC had issued the warrant after an investigation of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.  

The Chinese President's  public appearances have also been reduced—his last interaction with a foreign dignitary in Beijing may well have been a meeting with Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong on June 24.

On June 20, Xi met New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon. 

Political boycott by Kuki MLAs ::: Kuki-Zo legislators to stay away from Govt formation of a new popular Govt in Manipur

"Under no circumstances shall the Kuki-Zo people compromise our ancestral land, culture, identity, and political, social and economic rights," says a statement issued after a joint meeting of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM). 

The meeting was attending by various units of Kuki Students Organisation, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum (KCLF), Kuki Women's Union, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Kuki Cheifs Association-Manipur (KCA-M) including all District Units of Kuki Inpi and others/

After due deliberation at Lamka, it has been unanimously resolved that:

"No Kuki-Zo Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) shall participate or take part in any manner in the formation of a new Popular Government in the State of Manipur".

Writing on the wall : Churachandpur 

"This resolution is the collective political will and aspiration of the Kuki-Zo people and is binding upon all Kuki-Zo representatives and community organisations," it said adding all concerned people are being "advised to adhere strictly to this resolution in letter and spirit". 

Hectic political confabulations are on in Manipur by the BJP and supporting parties for formation of a popular government in the violence-hit state.

Maipur was placed under President's Rule in February this year after Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered resignation amid murmurs of disunity in the legislative wing of the saffron party.

In May ten MLAs called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal and urged him to expedite the formation of a popular government in the state. 

A press release issued from the Raj Bhavan said that the team of MLAs belonging to different political parties along with the Governor discussed the law and order and political situation in the State. 

The issues they discussed included initiating a peace process based on mutual understanding and strengthening security arrangements. 

The team also submitted a memorandum to the Governor on these issues and urged the Governor to expedite the formation of a popular government in the State, it said. 

After meeting the Governor, BJP MLA- Thokchom Radheshyam informed the media persons that forty sitting MLAs from different political parties as well as Independent legislators have prepared for the formation of new government. 

Reports say N Biren Singh, the former CM, is still trying out his luck to come back. His supporters are taking a line that while Singh tendered resignation as the Chief Minister; he is "technically still the legislative party leader of the BJP". 

Recently a large number of BJP leaders including MLAS met at the party office in Imphal. 

Former Chief Minister Biren Singh later said : 

"We discussed the frustration faced by people and the hardships endured by internally displaced persons. Our (state) party president had called this meeting of BJP legislators. She had recently met national leaders in Delhi as well".

However, the centre may be still reluctant to install a so-called popular government as nothing much has changed yet in the state in terms of confidence building measures and improving trust between Kukis and Meities.  

The ethnic violence that began in May 2023 killed at least 175 people and injured some 1100. 

About 30 people are also reported missing. The rioters burned down or vandalized some 380 religious structures including temples and churches. 

The violence between Meitei Hindus and Kukis and Zos (Christians) also left more than 70,000 people displaced.

A panel of  experts said they were especially concerned “that the violence seems to have been preceded and incited by hateful and inflammatory speech.”

  

Our Spl Series -- Good Optics : Collective Wounds --- It's the God who Divided a people ::::: 'Sooni padi hui hae Muddat se Dil ki basti ...."

Partition of India came in 1947. It is 78 long years since and the debate about two religious communities in one nation is not settled still. Instead, in 1971 we had the third nation born. Yet the blood and mutual hatred continue to flow in South Asia. 

The poetic line 'Sooni padi hui hae Muddat se Dil ki basti ....(The land of my heart is left alone ... deserted for a very long time)" -- was penned by poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, often referred to as Allama Iqbal.

In the neighbourhood, people would hail him as the Spiritual Father of Pakistan. 

Patriotism at borders - Wagah 

It was one of the tragic chapters in human history that of all the protagonists it was left to Iqbal -- by coincidence, fate and design -- that the first seed of partition of India was sown. On Dec 29, 1030 at Allahabad - he first mooted the idea of Pakistan. It may be hard to believe that the poetic genius had his DNA in a Hindu family of Kashmiri pandits and it he was who also wrote:

"Saarey jahan se achha ... Hindustan hamara".  

It is argued that Iqbal was irked when he saw the solidarity of Jews crumble under Christian Europe. He was worried that the same fate would greet Muslims in united India after the Britishers left. 

His worst fear was if Muslims sacrificed their own culture at the 'altar of Indian nationhood'; slowly they would be absorbed and made extinct.  

The same man had also written "Apno se bair rakhna Tu ne Buton se sikha; jung o jidai sikhaya waiz ko bhi Khuda ne (We learnt to be in dispute with own people from Gods...We learnt belligerence and wars also from God and religious books)". 

But what he said and what he did were different. His 1930 discourse change the course of Asian history. It is argued that Iqbal was misled by a section of Muslim intellectuals and even the Britishers to take such a line at the Allahabad meet of the Muslim League. 

However, some others say B S Moonjee - Balakrishna Shivram Moonje (12 December 1872 – 3 March 1948) was also responsible in some indirect ways. Moonjee, a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, reportedly had gone to Italy and had met fascist leader Mussolini. In tune with what was turning out, M S Golwalkar in his book 'We of the Nationhhod defined' had actually applauded Hitler. 

"To keep up the purity of the Race and its culture, Germany shocked the world by her purging the country of the Semitic races - the Jews". 

However, there is yet another twist in the tale. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who midwifed Pakistan in 1947 - nine years after Iqbal expired - was ambiguous about the socio-political characteristic of Pakistan as a nation. Jinnah arguably did not want the new nation Pakistan to be ruled according tothe Caliphs of Islam. 

Nevertheless, in the words of Jinnah's personal aide Sarifuddin Pirzada -- "... At the same time Jinnah was very careful not to make a commitment one way or the other so that Muslims would not be alienated". 

Jinnah was a Gujarati and hailed from Mumbai (then Bombay).  At later stages, Pakistan passed onto the hands of radical Punjabi Muslim elites and - the rest is history. 

Iqbal's grandfather was an eighth cousin of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, an important lawyer and freedom fighter. Iqbal often mentioned and commemorated his Kashmiri lineage in his writings.

Operation Sindoor: 2025 - "Hatred" prevails 

Hit thy thy neighbours : Post- May 7, 2025 

Pirzada was also firm. "Jinnah was against theocracy. This is what matters".  He also waxed eloquently -- 

"An Islamic state can be a fully modern state, unless you say it should be ruled by a theocracy".  

Soldiers of Misfortune - Collective wounds 

Pakistan’s political and economic crises in 2025 are inter connected. While the political upheaval and regime change - ouster of Imran Khan - have not directly caused the economic turmoil, they have certainly exacerbated it.

The creditors are convinced as much as rival India or neo-patron Donald Trump that Pakistan is essentially a non-serious and irresponsible polity. 

As the economy and diplomacy and its military policies teeter on the brink of collapse, Pakistan continues to hurtle toward an uncertain future.

Sadly, at such a juncture, it is governed by a Field Marshal,  who got himself promoted after loosing a war. The elites are simply not bothered or are still unable to grasp the enormity of the challenges facing the country.

People are clueless but silent with a near slavish mindset. The feudalism has survived. As so-called power politics pendulum swings; people know their governance and democratic system are inherently unstable. 

The folk wisdom prevails and it is that an India-bashing 'benevolent dictator' can lead a country to its full potential better. No wonder the present military leadership has again started courting Washington.  

This is a country where governments have ended with the loss of half the country in a genocidal civil war (1971), a mysterious plane crash killing the president (1988), midnight coups, daytime coups, and backroom deal-making among factionalized elites. 

This list connotes many things, but orderliness is not one of them, says an article in journalofdemocracy.org.

ends